Check back for a link to download photos from convocation (photographer: Wingate Downs)
The Odum School of Ecology celebrated fall 2024 graduation with a convocation ceremony and reception for graduates and their friends and families on Dec. 12.
Dean Mark Hunter, Odum Chair in Ecology, welcomed participants and introduced Professor Scott Carver, who delivered the convocation address.
In his talk, Carver highlighted four things that set ecology graduates apart. First, ecology graduates understand the importance of ecosystems and the environment.
“Ecology is linked to pretty much everything in our lives, from our food and water systems to our health, to our recreation and so much more,” said Carver, associate director of the Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases. “The world needs experts in ecology that can understand the importance of ecosystems and the environment and help make it a better place.”
Second, ecology students understand complexity.
“Frankly, for ecology graduates, dealing with complexity is just really daily normal life,” he said. “With this training, it makes sense that ecology graduates are natural leaders to help us understand the world around us and help us make good decisions to help deal with the problems the world is facing now.”
Ecology graduates also have a deep understanding of the scientific method, according to Carver. They know how to search for the best available information and evidence to understand complex problems, and they know how to interpret the merits of different types of information.
“One of the greatest skills you will leave the university with is the ability to objectively evaluate information, both on its strengths and its limitations, and use these skills to help make possible decisions,” he said. “This skill set is an asset for a lifetime, regardless of any profession you may find yourself in.”
Finally, ecology students understand the value of working together. Their experiences give them strong teamwork abilities and a sense of how treating one another with kindness and respect and how everyone doing their share or role makes for good teamwork.
“I am so inspired by the directions our ecology graduates go in and the careers they have and the differences they make in this world,” Carver said. “You’re all capable of making a real difference. And you should believe this, and you should feel empowered to try and do that, and have the audacity to make this world a better place.”
Carver’s remarks were followed by a hooding ceremony for doctoral and master’s degrees, and the recognition of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science graduates. Degrees were presented by Pejman Rohani, associate dean, Regents’ Professor and Georgia Athletic Association Professor. Graduate students were hooded by Craig Osenberg, UGA Athletic Association Professor in Ecology and graduate coordinator, and their advisors. Undergraduate advisor Misha Boyd assisted with presentation of undergraduate degrees.
Hunter concluded the ceremony by welcoming the new graduates to the Odum School alumni community. About 100 guests joined in convocation and the post-ceremony celebration, which included refreshments in the Ecology lobby and courtyard.
Graduate Students
Phillip Martin Bumpers
Doctor of Philosophy in Ecology
Dissertation: Effects of nutrient pollution and environmental variation on forest stream ecosystems
Melanie Kay Taylor
Doctor of Philosophy in Ecology
Dissertation: Considering forest change in eastern North America from perspectives of fire, biogeochemistry, and ecosystem resilience
Jasmine Nicole Longmire
Master of Science in Ecology with an area of emphasis in Integrative Conservation and Sustainability
Thesis: Assessing stream condition and land-owner values to support conservation in the Broad River watershed of northeast Georgia
Undergraduate Students
Jake Anthony Ferus
Bachelor of Arts in Ecology
Certificates in Water Resources and Geographic Information Science
magna cum laude
Alexa June Watson
Bachelor of Arts in Ecology
Certificate in Environmental Education
Avery Preston Akins
Bachelor of Science in Ecology
Aarya Oza
Bachelor of Science in Ecology
Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
cum laude
Zane Richard Rogers
Bachelor of Science in Ecology